docoflove1974

Not yet...they're barely hanging on. Maybe if Good Ol' Silvio knocked off with the call girls, he might save the republic a bit of cash.

LOL the one my parents had, Peanut, was quite the mighty huntress. In one year she cleared out 56 gophers, including an entire den in one day. By the end of that day, she was so tired, she didn't want to eat the babies, nor even climb the back fence. I think that year she also caught 2 rats...foot-long ones. The back field, which was under the protection of San Francisco Watershed and full of wildlife, perfect for a 15-pound feline. But then she would hear human voices outside, particularly my dad's, and would come and hang out, almost dog-like. Total sweetheart. Of course, she HATED Bella coming into our family...but that's for another story.

And clearly no one there knows Italian, either

I know, I know...two consecutive blog entries...what has gotten into me? Well, a little of this, a little of that. Mostly, it's shame. I found it interesting that, because of the political in-fighting and stalemate in DC, the national news agencies and some of the local ones have been asking we, the people, to pipe up. They have wanted us to send a message to our Congressional Representatives and Senators, literally, and tell them how their political dueling has affected our lives. I guess the thought is that if enough people send direct messages to the Legislature, they might actually listen to us. I didn't bother...mostly because, being the cynic that I am, I don't think it would make an iota of a difference. But there was another reason, too: my Representatives and Senators were actually involved in the various versions of the bills being offered...they were being politically active in the process. In other words, they were doing their jobs. One of the local news stations has a slightly different tactic: they want us, the people, to send in a short video explaining how the economic downfall has personally impacted us. The hope is that both lawmakers and business leaders will listen, and help us out. Call it odd, but I find that exercise a bit insulting. Or, perhaps, it's a poke to my pride. See, as it is, people who know me well are aware that I'm only partially employed, and that the cuts to higher education over the last several years--let alone those that are set to come--by both the state and federal governments have pretty much led to this. They know that I'm not doing well financially. But why should I need to broadcast this? Nobody really wants to hear another story of someone who is down on her luck. I guess the other part that irks me is that I know there are many, many more who have it worse than I do. I mean, I live in faculty/staff housing where I pay rent at about half of market value--and these are really nice apartments with spectacular local views. I have enough money to put food on the table, pay my bills...sure, my discretionary spending is near-zero, but on rare occasions I do go to a movie or to dinner with friends and family. And regardless of how peeved I am at my lack of full-time employment or how little money is in my checking account, I seem to make things work regardless. Sure, I'd like to be more comfortable, and I'm working on that...but what else can I do now? And when I see some of my students who live in the ghetto, or in shelters...or worse yet, who are being foreclosed upon...all due to unemployment...some of them who have families to take care of...I'm supposed to go on video documenting how bad I have it? No thanks...that's not in me. I'm not saying I live in the lap of luxury, but I'm no where near Skid Row. (I was going to start sending my cat out to go hunt for food...but seeing as how she hasn't done that in about 4 years now, and even when she did her tendency was to play with her 'new friend' literally to death, well, I just don't think it's gonna work out.)

Dreams can be funny things. Personally, the vivid dreams that I remember are all very linear--they make out like a normal story, just with some interesting elements. But not last night...or was it this morning? The other odd thing is that I can't remember much of it, most assuredly because of the fact that it was so random. What I do remember is that I was arguing with a guy about something (I can't even tell you what about), while in the background Andrew Dice Clay is doing his "Hickory Dickory Dock" schtick. (If you don't know it, go ahead and YouTube it...but be forewarned, not only is it not work safe, I dare say it's not safe at all.) Comedy has always been something that I sought out, and it wasn't until graduate school that I understood. The good comedians, the real story tellers who twist language to make it hilarious, are really a type of linguist--semanticist, to be more to the point. The whole element of comedy is taking something and making it funny because of meaning (or pronunciation, but that's mimicry...phonology has its place, as does sociolinguistics, but most don't go into that.) Bill Cosby was the story teller that we were 'allowed' to listen to as kids, because he worked clean, but my parents had tapes of Robin Williams and George Carlin, not to mention that my dad loved Richard Pryor. I remember being about 12 and sneaking into my parents' drawer of tapes in the entertainment unit in the living room, just so that I could swipe the Robin Williams Live at the Met tape or the two George Carlin ones...I'd steal away to my bedroom, close the door (well, mostly...those were the rules), and giggle away in delight while listening to Robin and George riff on various topics. Loved it! (Of course, my parents knew that I was doing it, particularly my mom...but they never let on. It did burst my bubble years later when they told me that they knew I was doing it...and didn't mind. Dammit...go ahead and spoil my fun and childhood memories...) When Andrew Dice Clay blew up big, I was just entering high school. Not only did he cuss, but he was crude, raunchy...all the things that a newly-minted teenager loved! But even a handful of years later, when my then-boyfriend would listen to his Dice CDs in the car, I had already lost my taste for that brand of comedy. Actually, I didn't find it to be comedy...it wasn't smart or clever, nor was it even vaguely humorous. It was just gross, like watching some dumbasses trying to reenact Beavis and Butthead in real life. "But, I don't get it...you loved this in high school!" my then-love-of-my-life noted. "Meh, I guess I grew out of it...it's pretty bad, dude." Fast-forward to last night...and why in the hell would I have a dream where Andrew Dice Clay was performing in the background??? What the hell?? As we speak, I'm setting up iTunes with all the George Carlin I have...that'll last me a few hours

What an honor! Or should I spell it honour, considering my honorary citizenry? Lord Caldrail, I am most honoured and humbled...I promise to uphold my new-found status with the respect and dignity it deserves. Grazie mille, Don Caldrale...or can that be said here?

First an advice distributor, now a politician...clearly my ideal position in life is as a jobs counselor.

I think it got solid reviews, basically because it's on one of the cable channels (I want to say TNT, but not sure). NBC this fall is unveiling their version of Prime Suspect, with Maria Bello as the central character. I don't know...something tells me that a show like that should have been done on cable instead. Then again, there are enough crime dramas on there already.

Aw man...and I gotta wait a month or more to see this???

Hmmm. I don't know that one, either the British or the American version. Then again, I don't watch or even pay attention much to sitcoms and the like. There are two exceptions of successful imports are All In the Family (the 70s sitcom based off of Til Death Do Us Part) and The Office. The former, well, you had great writing and a great cast--Carroll O'Connor was a high caliber actor, and he made Archie Bunker a true character of his own. The latter, well, while I wasn't a huge fan--I kept expecting to see Sir David of Brent and the rest--it was a great translation. Again, great writing and a great cast. And in both cases, a true understanding of the original series, and how to accurately translate it to an American audience so that you don't lose the main messages, but you use subtleties that are local. I remember reading about the American versions of AbFab...and gagged. I don't like Roseanne Bar, in anything...and absolutely couldn't see her as Eddie. Not to mention that, those characters could easily be understood by Americans as they were played by the original cast. And I hated how Men Behaving Badly was done up...Rob Schneider is funny comedian, but not a good actor. Martin Clunes...good actor, and good comedic actor. Then again...I wonder how many times the Beeb (or other non-American broadcaster) have tried to re-incarnate an American show, only to fail? Could another culture really try to do their version of Seinfeld?

Is it migratory?

Wow, I finally finished. It took the better part of 5 weeks of planning, learning, and implementation, but the major summer project was finished as of Friday morning: the Workshop Site. Ok, I'll explain: like many community colleges (and often in 4-year universities), our college has workshops for those learning and/or improving their English reading and writing skills. Some of the workshops are grammar-based, others are study-skill-based, but they're all open to any student so that they can improve their chances at a higher grade in their courses. For the foreign language students, well, there ain't squat. We have been sending them to these grammar courses, since many times students will come in with questions on parts of speech and the like--the product of not having studied these elements since elementary school or, in very rare cases, middle school. The problem is that, since these courses are geared for those who either are learning English or who are very poor readers and writers, they aren't really helpful for those who are fully literate and capable English-speaking adults. They needed something a bit different...but we didn't have anything. So, I made it my mission to create an on-line solution, using the online course management software that we use in the district, which I have been using for the last several years extensively. It took a lot of time to conceptualize what I wanted it to look like, the content both on the site and in the movies/animated PowerPoint slides...but I finally got it done. And I did it on my own...as in, without pay. (Such a dedicated employee....) As a reward, I decided to take the weekend off. Yesterday, I packed some stuff to work on in my leisure (why can't I just lay on a beach and sleep???), a picnic lunch, and took off in my car. I started down Ca

Nah, I think the condors are endangered. Besides, they are some ugly buzzards...they don't exactly give an air of beauty or sophistication. No, what you need are some falcons...majestic birds, they. I love watching them cruise the skies around here, in search of a yummy morsel that dares to pop its little head out of its burrow.

Well, thanks for your service, Lord Caldrail...you've sufficiently warned me. I'll see the episode in about 2 months time (The new series doesn't get shown here until 22 August, or there abouts.) :/ I'm a kind of Atkinson fan--loved Blackadder, hated Mr. Bean, thought the Thin Blue Line was more of the same. Hopefully there are enough high points to counterbalance this low point out.

Ugh, the Prius...here in the Golden State, there's too many of them, and other hybrids...and I've long ago given up arguing with people that they're not doing that much environmental good. Those that buy the hybrids for the fuel economy, well, I can't argue with that one much. It's not a great argument, but they are probably saving some money on gas. I guess. A recent ex-boyfriend had his early-90s Civic hatchback for 15 years before he decided to buy a new car. He ended up with a 2-year old 330i...a move that made me giggle quite a bit. See, this is someone who enjoys the finer things in life, and then feels the need to justify his purchase, as if anyone cares. He griped to me that he wouldn't ever consider a hybrid because older cars (like his Civic) got better gas mileage than the cars of today. Of course, when I pointed out to him that his Civic hardly got over 75 mph, and that it took 3 years to get to that point, he scoffed at my argument. Then when I told him that, for its class, his Beemer does get great gas mileage--over 30 mpg as a whole, as I recall--and that now he could go 0-60 in record time, AND that he truly was enjoying his luxury vehicle, he further got annoyed with me. "Newer technology isn't always better," he quipped back. Sure it's not Yes, I'm happy with my car, and considering my current economic reality, well, I'm not exactly expecting a new car purchase any time soon. And for my life right now (single, no kids), it's a great car. As my life changes, I'll have different needs, and my mode of transportation will change. A girl can have dreams of fine German engineering, but it's good to keep things in perspective.

Am not!!! I refute that charge, sir! Give me a picnic on the beach or at the park any day of the week! (Well, as long as it's not cold and foggy or rainy...that just sucks.)

No, I know what I want, Kosmo...I'm just a typical woman. You know, complicated

Hey now, my Toyota is going on 10 years old, purrs just like the day I got her....ok, ok, ok, it's not an M5 (my heart still desires Beemers...prolly always will, too), and it does take a while to get to 80 mph, but no matter! It's mine! And it works beautifully! *knock knock knock* Oh...the boys from Top Gear are here...what's this? "Please stop extolling the virtues of Toyotas, as they are..." Gentlemen, I can't say this! But ok, fine, I'll stop bragging about its efficiency despite not being a hybrid, and the like. Captain Slow, surely you can't be in on this, too? Oh good, you're fine with me having a Toyota. Incidentally, boys, next time you come 'round, would you mind a car swap? I'd love to try on that 911 that Hammond is playing with...you know, just for a change

Oh, Lord Caldrail, all of that I figured out a very long time ago. And to let the cat out of the bag, all women truly want that at our core--we want the caveman to grab us, take us for a passionate ride...let's face it, it's kinda fun And, if we procreate from the fun, well, that's Mother Nature's point, isn't it? (At least, if you want that sort of thing...) No, I learned the game a long time ago, figured out the ways that the caveman will attempt to hide his true intent...and decided if I wanted to play the game or not. Right now, I don't. I don't want a moonlit walk on the holo-beach, either...well, it'd be nice, but that's not what I want. I don't want a caveman necessarily, nor a sap who bends at my every statement. I want...well, a good bloke. It's a lot to ask, I know A competition, you say? Hmmmm...I might be able to pull some strings to rent out an arena, set up an obstacle course, hide a camera crew to catch all of their movements and statements...WAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT a minute...this is sounding like a reality show. A bad one at that. One with lots of crying involved on my part, the supposed act of true femininity. Nope, no way...I'll stick to the old-fashioned method: short skirt, cleavage, heels...and see who comes knocking on the proverbial door. Besides, I get to play and decipher hidden messages...more fun for me! (As a side note, I'm sure that you, dear Lord Caldrail, still have your caveman moments...all men do until they're a bag of wrinkles or 6 feet under. Tis Mother Nature having fun at the expense of males everywhere. Yes, many of us womenfolk have figured you lot out )

If only there were more like him in leadership that could get the deals moving forward...I hope that they do prevail, just for the economic sake of the country. Politics is always about give and take, not about being recalcitrant. Great link, Ursus.

So, now that I slept in a whole 15 minutes, thanks to my bladder, I decided that laziness might be the ruler of this day. Or not...dunno, I seem more wishy-washy than usual. I know...I'll follow the lead of Bella! Oh, wait, cats tend to be indecisive themselves, and this one in particular. Hmmmm...planning just doesn't seem to be my thing right now.

Oh, trust me, most of us are just as amazed and scared by the Tea Partiers.

Decisions, decisions. What is a girl to do? I have choices for my weekend entertainment, and even choices regarding who to spend it with. I'm dying to go to the beach...I haven't been all summer, although I did go in May. But it's not exactly beach weather: foggy, cold, windy. Actually, it's typical beach weather if we were in June. Oh, wait, this is July. Hmmmm...maybe not. Part of me wants to go to stay home to work on a new project--doing voice overs on PowerPoints for work. Yeah, yeah, yeah, nerdy, but I'm trying to finish this project by the end of next week, and there is work to do. Besides, I don't even know if I can do this properly here at home--I mean, my colleague-in-the-know said I could, but I don't entirely know what I'm doing. Meh...it can wait until Monday. I could meet up with a gentleman who wishes to take me out. The problem is that my Spidey-sense tingles just when I talk to him on the phone. You know the type, the ones who pretend like they're looking to build up a relationship, but all they really want is a roll in the hay. Sure, it'd be something to do, to meet up with Mr. Creepy, but I don't exactly want this guy picking me up...then he'd know where I live, and that's not something that a single girl gives up so quickly. Actually, I don't think I'd even want to meet up with him...no, he's just not my type. Ummmm...no, scratch that. Another 'friend'--or, someone who would like very much to be closer than a friend--wants to meet up. But there's just something odd about him, something I can't put my finger on. Kinda like he's trying to emerge from his cocoon, but has no idea how to do it. Do I give the guy the chance? Well, errr...sounds like a bit of a project, and I'm a bit old for those. (No, really...I gave up on trying to change potential mating partners a LOOOONG time ago...it can't be done, and I don't really want people trying to change me.) Oooh, with all this cool and foggy weather, I could go for a short hike! Sounds like a ton of fun, actually, and something that I've been trying to work myself up to. Yeah, that's the ticket! Now, which trail?....I'll save that to the morning. Or...maybe a dinner/movie night? Hmmm...kinda low on cash right now. Then again, I do have a coupon for free ice cream at a decent local chain...perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. Especially if I can get someone to join me in the fun. But not Mr. Creepy, and probably not Mr. Shy Guy. I need someone who will be a bit livelier. Then again...let's see what time I wake up tomorrow...I'm feeling like a good lie in would be a great thing. Yeah...that's about right. Ok, decision has been made...glad you guys could help me with that.

Clearly, that's it...you have two possible positions that you are highly skilled at: 1. Customer Service Trainer...just think, you could be teaching others the invaluable skills to bring customers what they need, whether they know it or not. 2. Life Coach...but the useful kind. Not the New Age crap, no, you actually help others with their decisions. I mean, that gentleman needed a boost of confidence that he was indeed making the right decision, and you helped him with that! With skill!

Feh...you boys are all the same. You'd rather go for hot alien chicks than stay here at home...FINE...be that way! Just for that, I'm gonna go for some hot Klingon hunks...I mean, they appreciate a voluptuous Earthling babe...and those ridges are a big turn on. Hmmmm...now that I think of it, maybe that's why I much preferred Capt. Picard to Kirk...Picard was focused on the task at hand, not chasing alien skirts. Ahem...er...back to reality.